What does a Field Doctor do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A field doctor is responsible for providing advanced medical care in environments where resources are often limited and working conditions demanding. Tasks include diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients in the field, often within crisis and disaster response, military operations, or humanitarian missions. In addition to clinical work, responsibilities include leadership, coordination of medical teams, and training other medical personnel. The work environment is characterized by rapid changes, high safety focus, and the need for flexibility, where the ability to make independent decisions under pressure is crucial.
Salary Development Over Time
The profession of a field doctor has shown a clear positive salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 93 600, representing a total increase of approximately 8.3% over three years. This trend reflects an increased demand for specialist competence in field medicine and a generally greater need for experienced doctors in demanding environments. The market has been marked by recruitment difficulties, which has further driven up salary levels. Education requirements and high responsibility also contribute to the attractive salary development in the profession.
Field Doctor Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (men), 91,200 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 98 % of what men do (men: 94 300 SEK, women: 92 900 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on employer and region, but the national average is 93 600 SEK/month
Education and Qualifications
To work as a field doctor, extensive medical education and specialist competence in relevant areas are required. The pathway includes both theoretical studies and practical experience, with international service or work in demanding environments often being meritorious. Additional courses in disaster medicine, leadership, or global health are common.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years (basic medical education)
- Specialist training: 5 years in relevant specialty (e.g., internal medicine, surgery)
- Supplementary courses: Courses in disaster medicine, tropical medicine, or leadership
- Practical experience: Clinical service and preferably experience from international missions
- Prerequisites: Complete high school education with eligibility for medical studies
Field doctors can work in both military operations and humanitarian organizations, as well as disaster zones. The role requires not only medical expertise but also the ability to quickly adapt to new cultures and difficult conditions.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Field doctors are often offered competitive benefits beyond base salary, such as extra allowances for work in risk areas, comprehensive insurance coverage, and opportunities for further training. Many employers also provide health and medical insurance, paid leave, and support for family members during international service. Access to psychosocial support and mentoring is also common in the profession.
Challenges and Competition
The job market for field doctors is characterized by high demand but also challenges related to recruitment and work environment. The shortage of experienced specialists in field medicine means employers often compete for the same candidates, sometimes resulting in high starting salaries. At the same time, working conditions are tough, with long shifts, rapid changes, and potentially hazardous environments. A high proportion leave the profession or work part-time, which increases turnover and can affect continuity. Maintaining competence and motivation in the field is an ongoing challenge, as is balancing professional and private life and recovery.
Tips for Aspiring Field Doctors
To succeed as a field doctor, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with strong psychological resilience and flexibility. Actively seeking internships and training with a focus on disaster medicine or global health provides valuable experience and enhances your CV. Communication and teamwork skills are crucial, especially in multicultural or high-pressure situations where collaboration is central. Being solution-oriented and able to quickly prioritize the right actions under time pressure is key, as is an open mind to new work environments and cultures, which facilitates the transition to fieldwork. Finally, building a network with other field doctors and organizations during your education is advisable.
Key Facts about Field Doctors
- Educational level: Licensed doctor with specialist competence (at least 10.5 years)
- Work environment: Often field-based and varied, sometimes under demanding conditions
- Demand: Very high nationally, with 375 available jobs within the profession
- Common employment: Permanent employment or project-based assignments
- Special skills: Disaster medicine, leadership, and adaptability
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years as a field doctor, opportunities open for leadership roles within medical teams, training responsibilities, or coordination of larger efforts. Many choose to further specialize in disaster medicine or global health, or to work as medical advisors for international organizations. The employment agency's forecast indicates very strong prospects for work within the specialist medical field, with demand expected to increase further over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by high competition for expertise and difficulties filling all positions, making experienced field doctors highly attractive in the job market. Career paths can also lead to work in research, policy development, or consultancy at national and international levels.
Common Questions about Field Doctors
- What does a Field Doctor earn?
- A field doctor has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and workplace.
- What education is required to become a Field Doctor?
- Medical licensure and specialist training in areas such as internal medicine, surgery, or general practice are required, often supplemented with courses in disaster medicine.
- What is the job market like for Field Doctors?
- The job market is very favorable, with high demand and many available positions nationally and internationally.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 98 % of what men do in the profession.
- In what work environments can a Field Doctor work?
- Field doctors often work in exposed or demanding environments, such as disaster zones, military operations, or developing countries.
- What are the future prospects for Field Doctors?
- The forecast shows that demand for field doctors and specialist doctors is expected to increase over the next five years.
